A riveting drama about a bullying incident that occurs on a high school campus. The story takes place during one 20-minute period before school. During this time, a web of connected events leads to rising tension in which two bullies confront and physically assault another student. We witness this event play out three times, each time from a different perspective.

NOTE: This play touches upon modern day issues such as absent parents, homosexuality and domestic abuse.

Overview

Our goal for Before the Bell was to create an engaging, authentic play about bullying that would start a real conversation.

The story takes place during one 20-minute period before school. During this time, a web of connected events leads to rising tension in which two bullies confront and physically assault another student. We witness this from the victim’s point-of-view.

Suddenly, time stops and restarts. We then see this same 20-minute period take place once again – but this time from the perspective of one of the bullies.

Then, the story restarts yet again, and we see this same 20-minute period occur for a third and final time – this time from the perspective of the other bully.

Through this shift in perspective, we’re able to witness all the complex and interconnected factors that can lead to violence in school.

We also witness the integral role bystanders play in these situations.

For full disclosure, the content of this play will not be appropriate for every school or community environment. At it’s core Before the Bell is a story about empathy, however, it touches upon modern day issues such as absent parents, homosexuality and domestic abuse.

This is why we felt it was important to pair this play with a helpful resource guide that provides teachers and directors with a comprehensive toolkit for exploring these issues. The Before the Bell Resource Guide, included with every purchase, contains 40 pages of meaningful and engaging activities for processing the themes of the play and continuing the conversation.

Before the Bell is available in two formats:

1) A Classroom Kit with all the tools you need to explore the play in a classroom setting.

2) A Production Kit with everything you need to mount the show onstage.

Click the “Classroom Kit” and “Production Kit” tabs above to learn about pricing and what materials come with each kit.

A comprehensive toolkit for exploring the themes of the play. It contains 40 pages of 22 meaningful and engaging activities for continuing the conversation in the classroom or during rehearsal. (PDF Download)

Director Book

The full script with embedded playwright notes on character relationships, staging suggestions and cues for when to play the incidental music and sound effects. On the bottom of each page is a blank stage template to keep track of your blocking. (PDF Download)

Sound Cues

14 high-quality music and sound effects (MP3s) to enhance the live performance of the play. The music was composed specifically for this piece by award-winning composer Denver Casado. The cues underscore the scene transitions and the final fight sequence. (MP3 Download)

Logo Pack

Attract audiences and sponsors with professional logos on posters, programs, handbills, and advertising. Show logos are provided in multiple digital formats. You’re allowed to use them in any way you wish, including on cast t-shirts. (JPEG and PNG Download)

Copy License

No more wondering, “Did I order enough scripts for everyone?” The Copy License gives you the flexibility to copy and print as many scripts as you need for your entire cast and crew throughout the duration of your production. (PDF Download)

Video Recording License

The video recording license takes the “worry” out of turning your stage production into sharable videos. You can legally video record your production, upload it to YouTube, or share it with your cast – so long as it’s being used for non-commercial purposes. (PDF Download)